Radicool Canada

What is UVB?

Mark — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:17:00 -0500

Health Canada provides the following excellent description:

Sunlight and Ultraviolet Exposure

The sun is a star roughly 150 million kilometres away from the earth. Without the sun, life on Earth would not exist - our planet would be frozen and dark.

A nuclear reaction at the sun's core transforms hydrogen into helium and generates massive amounts of radiation, or energy. These forms of energy (known collectively as the electromagnetic spectrum) include radiowaves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

In this topic...

Depending on its wavelength, different types of solar radiation do different things. For instance, infrared radiation makes us feel the warmth of the sun, visible light allows us to see the world around us, and ultraviolet radiation affects our health.

Electomagnetic Radiation Spectrum

What is ultraviolet radiation?

Did You Know?

Ultraviolet is a natural part of the sun's rays - it has always been with us. Yet we should always be careful about spending too much time in the sun.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is invisible sun energy in the wavelength range from 100 to 400 nanometers (nm). It is shorter and more energetic than visible light, and depending on its wavelength, it is able to penetrate the ozone layer and trigger different biological effects.

UVR is divided into three wavelength ranges:

UVA is long-range ultraviolet radiation between 320 and 400nm. Although not as energetic as UVB, UVA has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, causing immediate tanning, premature skin ageing and playing a role in the development of certain skin cancers. UVA is not readily absorbed by the ozone layer - about 95% gets through.
UVB is short-wave ultraviolet radiation between 280 and 320nm. It can penetrate the epidermis and is responsible for delayed tanning, sunburns and most skin cancers. A large portion of UVB is absorbed by the ozone layer - only 5% reaches the planet's surface.
UVC, with wavelengths between 100 and 280nm, is very energetic, and therefore very dangerous to all forms of life (even with short exposures). However, UVC radiation is filtered out by the ozone layer, and therefore never reaches the earth.

Ultraviolet radiation can also be generated by artificial sources, including tanning equipment and lasers. But remember: UVR can be dangerous, no matter where it comes from.

This reproduction is a copy of an official work that is published by the Government of Canada and this reproduction has not been produced in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of the Government of Canada.

sun safety for kids

Mark — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:48:00 -0500

Educating our kids about safely enjoying the sun can make a life a lot easier for the family and pay big dividends as they become independent teenagers. It's never too early to start, and here's a great resource!

Check out http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/kids.html

for a fun website for kids to enjoy as you dress them in their Radicool Skins 100+spf sun protective clothing and prepare for the beach!

protection from the sun

Mark — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:48:00 -0500

Protection from the sun is logical with the potential for dehydration, skin damage and cancer. Following the mantra of "block the sun, not the fun", protection from the sun does not have to cause anxiety or be excessive. A little preparation will go a long way, including:

1) avoiding peak sun hours of 12-3pm by enjoying the shade at the hottest hours of the day,

2) taking advantage of the convenience and broad protection of Radicool Skins 100+spf sun protective clothing

3) applying enough of your choice of > 30+spf broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen (and reapplying as necessary)

4) slapping on a broad rim hat or Legionnaire hat to protect your childrens' face & ears

Healthy habits to easily provide protection from the sun and "Block the sun, Not the fun!"

What is spf?

Mark — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:02:00 -0500

SPF or "sun protection factor" is a number that indicates the amount of protection offered by a sun protection product, or in other words, the amount of ultraviolet that your skin absorbs. The SPF measures the effectiveness of a product at blocking UVB rays. SPF is a percentage of the sun's UVB rays that are blocked, determined as follows:

SPF rating - 1 = % of sun's rays blocked SPF rating

SPF 15 (93.3% of UVB blocked), or 1/15th (6.7%) of what you would absorb wearing nothing

SPF 45 (97.7% of UVB blocked), or 1/45th (2.2%) of what you would absorb wearing nothing

SPF 100 (99% of UVB blocked), or 1/100th (1.0%) of what you would absorb wearing nothing

As you may be aware, damaging ultraviolet rays include UVB and UVA, therefore, wide-spectrum sunscreen with label indications for both UVA and UVB is required.

Wikipedia comments: "There is a popular oversimplification of how SPF determines how long one can stay in the sun. For example, many users believe that, if they normally get sunburn in one hour, then an SPF 15 sunscreen allows them to stay in the sun fifteen hours (i.e. fifteen times longer) without getting sunburn." This is not the case, and sunscreen manufacturers & dermatologists alike would recommend that the PROPER AMOUNT of sunscreen be applied EVERY 2 HOURS.

Parents will appreciate the convenience & protection of Radicool Skins 100+spf WET or DRY rashguard suits, shirts & shirts. The 100+spf, when the fabric is wet or dry, will ensure daylong protection when combined with a minimum 30+spf sunscreen for ears, nose, neck and face as recommended by the Canadian Dermatologists Association. Check out www.radicoolcanada.com for further useful links!

"Block the sun......not the fun!"

25% Discount Available for your Group!

Mark — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:06:00 -0500

Summer camps, leadership groups (Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, YMCA...etc) can now obtain

a 25% discount on our Radicool Skins 100+spf Sun protective swim & sportswear!

mark@radicoolcanada.com

Tel. 519-835-5857

"Block the sun, not the fun!"

DERMATOLOGISTS URGE CANADIANS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES

Mark — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:37:00 -0500

OTTAWA, June 22, 2011 – As Canada’s dermatologists come together in Edmonton for the Canadian Dermatology Association’s (CDA) 86

Annual Conference they want to remind Canadians proper sun safety is part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"We want people to enjoy their outdoor summer activities. Being active year round has direct benefits to their health and overall well-being," says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, National Director of the CDA’s Sun Awareness Program. "However, all that time spent out in the sun can increase a person’s risk of sunburn and skin cancer. "

Along with hats, sunglasses, clothing and seeking shade, sunscreens play a major role in preventing skin cancer and reducing the photo-aging effects of UV radiation. The CDA recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or more and reapplying every 2 hours. As well as limiting sun exposure during the peak hours of 11 am to 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

People who need help choosing a sunscreen should look for bottles or packaging bearing the Canadian Dermatology Association logo. These products have been reviewed by CDA member dermatologists as part of the CDA’s Sun Protection Program and have met all the approval criteria through independent laboratory testing.

With 74,000 expected new diagnosed cases of skin cancer this year, the CDA is urging Canadians to protect themselves and their families while enjoying their outdoor activities by using sunscreen.

- 30 -

About CDA

The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

For further information please contact:

Jennifer Scott, Communications & Projects Officer

Office: 613.738.1748 / 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222 | Cell: 613-447-8611 | jscott@dermatology.ca

Radicool Skins 100+spf a good fit with new high factor sunscreens!

Mark — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:26:00 -0500

Interesting article from the New Zealand Herald:

High factor sunscreen 'not armour'

By Janetta Mackay and Amelia Wade

Photo / Supplied

Choosing a sunscreen just got more confusing with the arrival in New Zealand of the first to be rated SPF100.

The Neutrogena SPF100 product meets American testing standards accepted here. Neutrogena says its SPF100+ filters out 99 per cent of harmful UV rays and that SPFs above 100 are possible.

However, the company also says it advocates "holistic sunsafe policy", which includes reapplying every two hours and staying out of the sun during peak times.

The Cancer Society, however, said it was concerned that the use of such a high sun protection factor, which in theory provides enough oomph for day-long cover, will give a false sense of security, with people skipping necessary reapplications.

Fiona Mawley, spokeswoman for the Cancer Society, advises that sunblock should be reapplied every two hours - regardless of SPF ranking.

"There has been discussion that SPF30+ is all that's necessary and by using a higher SPF there is concern that the people will think they have a shield or armour on."

New Zealand accepts American and European standards, which allows big players such as Johnson & Johnson, which markets Neutrogena and Aveeno, and L'Oreal to market higher-rated sunscreens.

J&J's senior international director of technology, Dr Curtis Cole, said most people apply only a third to half the sunscreen they need, reducing the coverage they think they're getting.

"High SPF helps compensate for under-application," he said.

Dr Cole said while higher SPFs may only be filtering out a few per cent more of UV rays, it is "the amount that is getting through the filter that matters", so increased filtering could significantly reduce exposure to damage.

The directions on Neutrogena's Spectrum Plus Advanced Sun Block Lotion SPF100 are to reapply after swimming or "extended sun exposure". Many other high SPF products carry the vague reapply "as needed" instruction.

An SPF30 will filter out around 95 per cent of UV rays, an SPF15 a few per cent less and an SPF60 a few per cent more, with different testing jurisdictions giving slightly differing results.

Vienna Richards, spokeswoman for the Auckland Regional Health Service, agrees wearing sunblock as your only protection is unwise.

"[We are] urging people to take care in the sun, wear hats and protective clothing, and sit in the shade, and wear sunscreen."

New Zealand's skin cancer rate is high with nearly 400 deaths a year - two-thirds from melanoma.

There are about 67,000 skin cancers reported each year compared with about 16,000 other cancers.

The high rates are in part caused by the skies above New Zealand which have up to 50 per cent more UV light than some northern places.

By Janetta Mackay and Amelia Wade | Email Janetta

"Did you know?"

Mark — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 -0500

Sun protection with textiles, keeping cool head on hot days

In summer, sun protection is literally a hot topic. Shading textiles such as sunshades, blinds and beach shelters promise to provide cooling shade and protection from harmful UV radiation. There is also more and more specific UV protection clothing to be found in the shops.

But how in fact do textiles protect you from the sun's radiation, and what differences between them should be taken into account? Dr. Andreas Schmidt of the international Textile Research Centre at the Hohenstein Institute in Bönnigheim has the facts:

Why do special UV protection textiles provide even better protection from the sun than cosmetic sun blockers with a high sun protection factor (SPF)?
The sun protection is, as it were, built into the processed chemical fibres. Titanium dioxide particles, such as are found in powders and sunscreen, are incorporated into the fibres and act like tiny mirrors there, reflecting the high-energy UV rays and so protecting the skin beneath.

In addition, the UV protection in sun protection textiles is increased still further by special ways of constructing the fabrics, for example laying several layers on top of one another, covering the gaps between the fibres that inevitably occur in woven or knitted fabrics.

Which criteria determine the UV protection factor of textiles?
As well as the composition of the material, the way it is put together and the weight, the colour and surface finish of the materials also have an important effect on the UV protection factor (UPF) of a textile material.

What role does the colour of a textile material play in the UV protection factor?
Dark colours generally give better UV protection than pale colours, because the dye pigments also absorb UV radiation. This is why the Tuareg people in the Sahara have been dyeing their clothing dark blue for centuries. However, thanks to chemical treatments like UV absorbers, it is also possible nowadays to achieve similar results with lighter coloured fabrics.

Why do natural fibres only offer limited protection from UV radiation?
The UV protection given by natural fibres such as cotton or linen is relatively low. A white Tshirt has a UV protection factor of 10-15. The reason for this is that cotton fibres in themselves reflect or absorb little UV radiation. This is particularly true once they have become wet - the fibres then become almost see-through.

Without this effect, there would be no such thing as wet T-shirt contests, for example (he laughs)! In addition, cotton fibres are kidney-shaped in diameter, i.e. within one fibre the diameter can be very variable. When this is combined with a twisted fibre structure, quite large holes appear in woven or knitted fabrics, through which the UV radiation can penetrate unhindered to the skin below.

Are there any natural fibres with a good UV protection factor?
Natural silk has a relatively high UV protection factor, because, like modern synthetic fibres, it contains matting components which reflect and absorb UV rays. The regular fibre structure, with small gaps in woven or knitted fabrics, also prevents the UV radiation from reaching the skin. Depending on the colour, the UPF may be 20 to 30. There is a good reason why in India, for example, silk sarongs are worn wrapped in several layers, which significantly increases the UV protection factor.

Australian Study Shows Women & Children Had Lowest Sun Protection

Admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:13:00 -0500

Sun-protective behaviours of beach goers in the North-West

by Magdalene Woloszyn, Avinna Trzesinski, Mutsumi Takahashi and Isabelle Ellis

Abstract

Issue addressed: The study investigates the sun-protective behaviours of beach goers in the north-west of Western Australia as the basis for a new health promotion intervention to be implemented in the area.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational survey of 1,498 beach goers in 25 beach locations across north-west Western Australia. Details of sun-protective clothing (none, hat with no shirt, shirt with no hat and full coverage) were recorded, as was time on beach, age and gender. Environmental audits were also completed to characterise the effects of the natural and built environments on sun-protective behaviours.

Results: Both females and children had the lowest rates of sun protection – 33.7% of females were found to wear shirts with no hats, compared to 29.0% of males, and they were less likely to be fully covered than males (30.3% compared to 41.5%). Children were more likely to wear shirts with no hats (43.1%) compared to adults (28.2%).

Conclusions: Female and child beach goers represent two groups that are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer and, therefore, should become targets for a sustainable, effective and multi-component health promotion program.

Key words: Sun protection, health promotion, skin cancer, sun behaviour.

Health Promotion Journal of Australia 2010; 21:146-8

Great Sun Summary from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Mark — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:07:00 -0500

Sun Safety Fact Sheet

Health Effects of UV Radiation

UV Radiation has both positive and negative effects. Positive effects of UV radiation include warmth, light, photosynthesis in plants, and vitamin D synthesis in the body. UV radiation also increases moods in people

and kills pathogens (see diagram). But overexposure to UV radiation has adverse health effects.

Overexposure to UV radiation is the primary environmental risk factor in the development of UV-related

adverse health effects, which include diseases of the eye, immune suppression, and skin cancers.

Children are most at risk for overexposure to UV radiation. With one in five Americans developing skin

cancer, childhood education about sun protection is a vital step toward reducing risk and improving public

health. Many studies have concluded that sun exposure, especially sunburn, during childhood appears to

increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Just one or two blistering sunburns

in childhood can double a person's risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Children are of particular concern because they spend a lot of time outdoors. Perhaps most importantly,

skin cancer and other UV-related adverse health effects are largely preventable if sun protection practices

are followed early and consistently. Educating school staff and students about sun safety can prevent

many health problems related to overexposure to the sun.

Skin Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, most of the more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer

diagnosed yearly in the United States are considered to be sun-related. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer,

will account for about 68,720 cases of skin cancer in 2009 and most (about 8,650) of the 11,590 deaths due to skin

cancer each year.

Exposure to UV radiation appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of

skin cancer. Scientists believe that the increase in skin cancer has resulted from:

•

Increased outdoor leisure time

•

Decrease in the amount of clothing worn outdoors

•

Decrease in atmospheric ozone levels

Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease. Exposure to UV radiation may be the most important

preventable factor in determining a person's risk for skin cancer. There are three major types of skin

cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Cancers

Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears

on overexposed skin on the face, ears, lips, and particularly the nose. Rarely does basal cell carcinoma

result in death, but it can spread and cause more serious health problems. Basal cell carcinomas can start

as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red, or white. It may be crusty or have an open sore that won't

heal.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common of skin cancers. Unlike basal cell carcinoma, it is

more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body and may result in death. Because of effective

early detection and treatment, basal and squamous cell carcinomas have a cure rate of more than 95

percent. Squamous cell carcinomas appear as a scaly patch or raised warty growth.

Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most deadly of the three major skin cancers. The incidence of melanoma is

increasing at a rate faster than that of any other cancer. Melanoma cases in the United States have almost

doubled in the past two decades. Receiving one or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 at least

doubles an individual's risk for developing melanoma. Melanomas are usually dark brown or black molelike

patches with irregular edges.

Melanoma is the most aggressive of the skin cancers. If not caught early, melanoma can spread to other

parts of the body and can be fatal. However, when detected early, it is one of the most curable cancers.

Eye Damage

Sunlight is the primary source of UV radiation that can damage tissues of the eye. Results from dozens of

studies suggest that spending long hours in the sun without eye protection increases the chances of

developing eye diseases, including cataracts. The 1998 Journal of the American Medical Association

reported that even low amounts of sunlight can increase the risk of developing eye disorders.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has cautioned that excess exposure to UV radiation may

increase the incidence of cataracts. Cataracts are a form of eye damage that causes the loss of

transparency in the lens, clouding vision. Everyone is at risk for developing cataracts. Another potential

effect of UV radiation is a "burning" of the eye surface, called "snow blindness" or photokeratitis from

sunlight. The effects usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later

in life. UVB damage to the eyes is also cumulative, so it is never too late for people to start protecting

their eyes.

Photoaging/Wrinkling

A very high percentage of age-associated cosmetic skin problems can be attributed to sun. Chronic

overexposure to the sun changes the texture and weakens the elastic properties of the skin. The

epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin, thickens, becomes leathery, and wrinkles as a result of sun

exposure. The difference between skin tone, wrinkles, or pigmentation on the underside of a person's arm

and the top side of the same arm illustrate the effects of sun exposure on skin. In most cases, the top

side of the arm has had more exposure to the sun and shows greater sun damage. Sun-induced skin

damage causes wrinkles and furrows, easy bruising, brown or "liver spots", precancerous lesions (actinic

keratoses), and potentially skin cancer. Because photoaging of the skin is cumulative, it is never too late

for a person to start a sun protection program.

Immune System Suppression

Scientists believe sunburns can alter the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells in

humans for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. Repeated overexposure to UV radiation can cause

more damage to the body's immune system. Mild sunburns can directly suppress the immune functions of

human skin where the sunburn occurred, even in people with dark skin.

Risks from Overexposure to UV Radiation

Exposure to UV radiation appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of

skin cancer and other UV related adverse health effects. Besides the immediate effect of sunburn, over

time excess ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and

premature aging.

Skin type is the most important factor in determining a person's risk for skin cancer. Skin types range

from those individuals that burn easily and never suntan to those who do not burn at all. Some individual

characteristics that are risk factors for skin cancer include

•

fair skin,

•

blue, green, or hazel eyes,

•

light-colored hair,

•

tendency to burn rather than suntan,

•

history of severe burns, many moles,

•

freckles,

•

a family history of skin cancer.

Even people with dark complexions can get a sunburn. No one is exempt from the possibility of getting

skin cancer or other serious health problems from the sun's UV rays.

The level of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface is dependent on several factors.

•

Ozone

: The stratospheric ozone layer protects all life on earth from excessive exposure to UV

radiation from the sun.

•

Intensity

: The sun's intensity varies throughout the day much like visible light. Around noon,

the sun is at its highest, so the sun's rays have less distance to travel through the atmosphere

and the intensity is highest.

•

Time of year

: Time of year causes the UV rays to vary.

•

Geographical location

: The sun's rays are strongest at the equator, where the sun is most

directly overhead.

•

Altitude

: UV intensity increases with altitude because there is less atmosphere to absorb the

damaging rays.

•

Weather

: Cloud cover reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth.

•

Reflection

: UV rays are reflected off surfaces such as snow, water, sand, and concrete.

Preventing Harmful Effects of the Sun

Sunburn, skin cancers, and other sun-related adverse health effects are largely preventable when sun

protection is practiced early and consistently. Despite the fact that suntanning and burning increase skin

cancer risks, most Americans do not protect themselves from the sun's damaging rays.

Attitudinal barriers to the sun must be addressed and changed before behaviors will change. Attitudinal

barriers to sun protection include the beliefs that it is necessary to use sunscreens only while at the beach

or pool rather than year round, "a suntanned body is a healthy body," and "you can only get a sunburn in

the summer". To overcome these barriers, education must begin early so habits can be developed early

and consistently. Still, it is never too late to start sun protective habits.

The best sun protection is provided when all the sun-safe behaviors are practiced together. Sun protection

habits include

•

Limit sun exposure during the hours when the sun's rays are the strongest, 10am to 4pm. To the

extent possible, people should limit their exposure to the sun during these hours and practice all

of the sun protective behaviors. Your shadow is an indicator of the sun's intensity. If your shadow

is shorter than you are, the sun is at its highest intensity. The American Academy of Dermatology

has established the Shadow Rule: No Shadow-SEEK SHADE.

•

Refer to the daily UV index when planning outdoor events. The UV Index is a daily forecast of the

intensity of the sun's UV rays. The Index indicates the risk of overexposure to skin-damaging UV

radiation and can be used to help plan outdoor activities to minimize overexposure.

•

Seek shade whenever possible. Shade structures such as trees and umbrellas provide year round

protection. Although trees do not offer complete sun protection, they provide about 60 percent

blockage from the sun's rays.

•

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved, tightly woven clothing. Clothing can

physically block out the sun's harmful rays and should be one of the first lines of defense against

sun exposure. Sunglasses should block out 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation to protect the

eyes from damage. Hats are the best way to minimize UV radiation exposure to the face, head,

ears, and neck.

•

Use broad-spectrum sunscreens whose active ingredients block UVA and UVB rays. The Sun

Protective Factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 15. Sunscreens should be used every day,

including cloudy days. They should be applied liberally and evenly before going out into the sun

and should be applied frequently, especially after swimming.

•

Avoid tanning salons. Artificial UV radiation is just as bad for your skin as sunlight. Most tanning

devices use UVA rays which have been shown to go deeper into the skin and contribute to

premature wrinkling and skin cancer.

•

Limit exposure to the reflective surfaces like snow and water. UV rays can be reflected off of

sand, tile, water, snow, and buildings. It is important to practice all the sun protective behaviors

even when you are in the shade.

What Is the UV Index

The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful UV radiation. Ozone depletion, as well as seasonal and

weather variations, causes different amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth at any given time. The UV

Index is a daily forecast of the UV radiation levels people might experience. The Index predicts the next

day's levels on a 0 to 10+ scale, helping people determine appropriate sun protection behaviors.

0 to 2 Minimal

A UV Index reading of 0 to 2 means minimal danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person. Most

people can stay in the sun for up to one hour during the hours of peak sun strengths, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

without burning. People with very sensitive skin and infants should always be protected from prolonged

sun exposure.

3 to 4 Low

A UV Index reading of 3 to 4 means low risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fair-skinned people,

however, might burn in less than 20 minutes. Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses to protect your

eyes. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when

outdoors.

5 to 6 Moderate

A UV Index reading of 5 to 6 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fair-skinned

people might burn in less than 15 minutes. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Wear a widebrim

hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Use sunscreen if you work outdoors and remember to

protect sensitive areas like the nose and the rims of the ears. Sunscreen prevents sunburn and some of

the sun's damaging effects on the immune system. Use lip balm or lip cream containing a sunscreen. Lip

balms can help protect some people from getting cold sores.

7 to 9 High

A UV Index reading of 7 to 9 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fair-skinned people

might burn in less than 10 minutes. Minimize sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Protect yourself by liberally applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Wear protective clothing and

sunglasses to protect the eyes. When outside, seek shade. Don't forget that water, sand, pavement, and

grass reflect UV rays even under a tree, near a building, or beneath a shady umbrella. Wear longsleeved

shirts and trousers made from tightly woven fabrics. UV rays can pass through the holes and

spaces of loosely knit fabrics.

10+ Very High

A UV Index reading of 10+ means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fair-skinned

people might burn in less than 5 minutes. Outdoor workers are especially at risk as are vacationers who

can receive very intense sun exposure. Minimize sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 liberally every 2 hours. Avoid being in the sun as much as

possible. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of all UV rays (both UVA and UVB). Some

reduction in blue light also might be beneficial but colors should not be severely distorted. Wear a cap or

hat with a wide brim, which will block roughly 50 percent of UV radiation from reaching the eyes. Wearing

sunglasses as well can block the remainder of UV rays.

For more information about the UV Index, contact EPA's Stratospheric Protection Hotline at

(800) 296-1996 or the UV Index Web site at

www.epa.gov/ozone/uvindex/uvover.html